1 . When training for my first marathon, I treated myself to an expensive fitness watch that tracked my time, pace and splits.

At the end of my final training run, I threw myself down on the floor the moment I got home, only to see my watch had failed me. Twenty-one miles briefly flashed on the screen before it went blank and disappeared forever. I screamed in pain. That tragic image of me crying on my living room floor pretty much sums up my relationship with exercise tracking technology.

It can be a total joy to watch your data change as you get stronger and faster, but sometimes it became a stick for punishment. I would compare my pace with other people’s or criticize myself for not doing it 30 seconds faster. I never really recognized this as a problem. To me, tracking was the route to self-improvement, and the point was to be better.

In the past year, “being better” has taken on a different meaning. My mental health dropped, and things like brushing my teeth became unimaginably difficult. Being better stopped meaning getting faster or stronger. It meant taking care of myself and feeling some joy. Once I started getting better, I reflected on what made me happy and what did not. So, I stopped tracking my runs and deleted all the data.

I then found I genuinely love running. I run around my local park with a silly little smile. But I do not love running quickly. I do not like races. I do not want to be pushed to be faster. I now notice how my legs feel and how my mind feels afterwards — clear and focused. I notice the smell of the wild plants and the sunshine on my face.

I am better. Sometimes I am worse. But either way I’m moving forward slowly and firmly, and that’s good enough.

1. The author cried after the final training run because she ________.

A．had to stop working out	B．became physically worn out
C．lost the data on the watch	D．felt a sharp pain in the legs

2. The author used to view exercise tracking as ________.

A．a fun hobby for enjoyment	B．a strong need for recognition
C．a method of escaping punishment	D．a way of being a better runner

3. What does “being better” mean to the author now?

A．Getting pleasure out of winning races.	B．Being more focused on her life goal.
C．Freeing herself from demanding tasks.	D．Improving her overall well-being.

4. What can we conclude from this passage?

A．Adjustment brings happiness.	B．Passion is the key to success.
C．Sports contribute to happiness.	D．Success equals self-improvement.

3 . For people suffering from depression, there’s an all-natural treatment they should use — getting more exercise. It could help fight depression, even if people have a genetic risk, new research shows.

For the study, researchers collected information from nearly 8,000 people and found those with related genes were more likely to have depression over the next two years after examining them. But that was less likely for people who were more active at the study’s start, even if they had a family history of depression. Higher levels of physical activity helped protect even those with the highest genetic risk of depression.

Both high-intensity (高强度) exercise and low-intensity activities were associated with a reduced risk of depression. Adding four hours of exercise a week could lower the risk of a new episode (一段经历) of depression by 17%, according to the study. “Our findings strongly suggest that, when it comes to depression, being physically active has the potential to remove the added risk of future episodes in individuals who are genetically risky,” said lead author Karmel Choi. “On average, about 35 additional minutes of physical activity each day may help people to reduce their risk and protect against future depression episodes.”

Depression is a common mental illness globally, with more than 264 million people affected. “Depression is so ubiquitous, and that underlines the need for effective approaches that can impact as many people as possible,” Choi said. And mental health and primary care providers can use the findings to advise patients that there’s something meaningful they can do to lower their risk of depression.

1. How did the researchers reach their conclusion?

A．By analyzing a mass of data.

B．By conducting genetic research.

C．By comparing various levels of activity.

D．By tracking the subjects for many years.

2. What does the study show about depression?

A．Physical activity betters medical treatment.

B．Exercise is able to decrease and prevent it.

C．Different levels of exercise intensity matter the same.

D．Exercising 35 minutes daily is the most effective treatment.

3. What does the underlined word “ubiquitous” in paragraph 4 mean?

A．Harmful.	B．Complex.
C．Unusual.	D．Common.

4. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To discuss a disease.

B．To introduce a method.

C．To analyze a genetic risk.

D．To explain a phenomenon.

4 . With the cold weather drawing nearer, few people will choose swimming as a daily or usual activity.     1     Here come the reasons.

Good for your brain.

Swimming is one of the best activities you can do all year round, which benefits your body and your mind. Swimming has been found to increase blood flow to the brain, which leads to more oxygen.     2    

Work your muscles.

Every time you swim, it is like doing a mini-resistance workout. Each kicks and pull works your muscles more than you could imagine, especially your arms, shoulders and gluteus — the muscles that are inactive all day when you’re sitting at your desk.     3     So along with building fitness, it is a wonderful full body exercise.

Lift your spirits.

    4     They can cause a positive feeling into your body which makes you happy. Swimming has been shown to reduce stress and tension. The repetition, movement and the breathing can help you to relax , and that’s why swimming is also regarded as a relaxing exercise.

    5    

While swimming is an individual sport, it is also very social. You can meet people from all walks of life when swimming. Have a chat in the lap pool, join a swimming club or get involved in social water sports to get to know people in your community. Besides, the great thing about swimming is that you can do it — rain or shine. Although your backyard pool, the river or beach cools down over winter, most inside swimming pools run heated pools year round, so you’ve got no excuse to stop swimming.

A．Benefit your body.

B．Meet new people.

C．These chemicals can control your thought and action.

D．Swimming also works your abs (腹肌) and will reduce your waist line.

E．Exercise gives off chemicals in your body called endorphins (内啡肽).

F．And that means you’re experiencing better memory and sharp mind.

G．However, swimming in winter is of great benefit in cold days.

6 . If you’re a real fitness addict, you certainly know the ultimate running challenge is to take part in a marathon. It seems every major city and town around the world hosts an annual marathon, with thousands of athletes running an exhausting 42.1 kilometres. While many runners’ motivation is to beat their personal best and cross the finishing line without collapsing, they’re also doing it for a good cause — to generate funds for charity.

But like other major events, the marathon also generates a massive carbon footprint. Thousands travel – some by plane — to the location, and waste from food packaging and goody bags gets left behind by viewers and runners.

This is becoming a big issue for cities — how to host a worthwhile event, encouraging people to exercise and help charities, while protecting the environment? Several cities have developed formal plans to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable ideas. One event in Wales, for example, introduced recycling for old running kit. It’s something that this year’s London Marathon tried to tackle by reducing the number of drink stations on the running route, giving out water in paper cups and offering some drinks in eatable seaweed capsules. They also trialled new bottle belts made from recycled plastic, so 700 runners could carry water bottles with them during their run.

Meanwhile, some people still think running a marathon could be our best foot forward in helping the planet. Dr Andrea Collins from Cardiff University told the BBC: “Training for a marathon makes you more sustainable in day-to-day activities. I started walking or running to work every day. Being environmentally friendly while training kind of sticks with you and becomes a way of life.”

So while you may not be the top runner in a marathon, let’s hope the event, in terms of sustainability, certainly is!

1. What can we know about a marathon from paragraph 1?

A．Everyone desires to join in it.	B．Athletes can finish it with ease.
C．Local governments disapprove of it.	D．It can contribute to charitable causes.

2. What does this year’s London Marathon mainly feature?

A．Holding a sustainable event.	B．Raising funds for charities.
C．Encouraging people to exercise.	D．Recycling old running facilities.

3. What is Dr Andrea’s attitude to running a marathon?

A．Favorable.

B．Intolerant.

C．Doubtful.

D．Conservative.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．Make Marathons Greener	B．How to Run Marathons Properly
C．Participate in Marathons Actively	D．What Is Left Behind after Marathons

7 . Running can be a polarizing (两极分化的) subject. Most people fall into one of two camps: those who love running every morning, and those who would sooner do anything to avoid it. For most of my life, I was planted in the second camp.

I always hated running. I remembered entering a neighborhood 5K race with my dad at age 12; I also remembered that I came in last in the race, followed by only the police car driving patiently behind me. Three years later, I didn’t make the junior volleyball team because I couldn’t run a mile in under 10 minutes. Every time I ran, I felt as though failure — in some form or other — was the only possible result.

The summer after my freshman year, though, I took a job at a summer camp in Connecticut, where I got paid to be a kid again. I spent my days keeping an eye on different camp activities. When it came to exercise, running was my only choice. So, I made a promise myself: Every day, I would run for a while. By most runners’ standards, it wasn’t far; I guessed it was only about a mile. But I decided to do it every day, no matter how long it took. The exercise lasted for 61 days — the entire time I spent at camp that summer.

I started to feel better about myself. But to my great surprise, I learned to love running, too. I went from fearing the sport to loving it. I’ve finished seven marathons (马拉松赛跑) and more shorter races than I can remember, and now I am a running coach. These were the secrets I discovered to changing my way of looking at life.

1. What was the author’s attitude to running at first?

A．He deeply loved it.

B．He refused to do it.

C．He thought it tiring.

D．He thought it a waste of time.

2. What can we know about the author from Paragraph 2?

A．He didn’t like to do any sport.

B．He didn’t believe he could do sports.

C．He didn’t do well in running-related sports.

D．He didn’t join the volleyball team on purpose.

3. What decision did the author make at the camp?

A．To run every day.

B．To do a part-time job.

C．To fully relax himself at the camp.

D．To take part in different activities.

4. How does the author look at running after the camp?

A．It is a difficult thing to do.

B．It has become a boring sport.

C．It makes no difference to him.

D．It has changed his life in a good way.

8 . The annual marathon in my town occurred as scheduled. My job was to follow behind the runners in an ambulance in case any of them needed medical attention. As the athletes began to pace themselves, the front runners started to disappear. It was then that my eyes were drawn to the woman in blue running shorts and a baggy white T-shirt.

I knew we were already watching our “last runner”. Her feet turned in, yet her left knee was turned out. Her legs were so crippled and bent that it seemed impossible for her to walk, let alone run a marathon.

The driver and I watched in silence as she slowly moved forward. We would move forward a little bit, then stop and wait for her to gain some distance. Then we’ d slowly move forward a little bit more. As I watched her struggle to put one foot in front of the other, I found myself expecting her and urging her forward. I wanted her to stop, and at the same time, I hoped that she wouldn’t.

Finally she was the only runner left in sight. I sat on the edge of my seat and watched with respect and amazement as she pushed forward with strong determination through the last miles. When the finish line came into sight, the cheering crowds had long gone home. Yet she didn’t give up and crossed the line.

I don’t know this woman’s name, but that day she became a part of my life — a part I often depend on. For her, it wasn’t about beating the other runners or winning a prize. It was about finishing what she had set out to do. When I think things are too difficult or I get those “I-just-can’t-do-it,” I think of the last runner. Then I realize how easy the task before me really is.

1. What does the underlined word “crippled” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A．Perfect.	B．Athletic.
C．Disabled.	D．Slim.

2. Which of the following can best describe the woman?

A．Confident and brave.

B．Proud and determined.

C．Hard-working and responsible.

D．Strong-willed and honorable.

3. What has the author learnt from the woman?

A．Don’t depend on others when facing difficulties.

B．Nothing is too hard to accomplish if one is brave enough.

C．Those who have difficulty walking can also run a marathon.

D．It’s not winning but holding on to the end that really matters.

4. What could be the best title for the text?

A．The Last Runner

B．An Injured Stranger

C．An Unforgettable Event

D．The Annual Marathon

9 . It was the final part of the 2016 World Triathlon(铁人三项)Series in Mexico.With just 700 meters to go, Alistair Brownlee was in third place and his younger brother, Jonny, was in the lead. Alistair pushed himself towards the finish line in the burning heat, but as he came round the corner, he saw his brother about to fall onto the track. Alistair.had to choose-brotherly love, or a chance to win the race.

For Alistair, the choice was clear.His brother was in trouble.He had to help.Alistair ran towards Jonny, caught him and started pulling him towards the finish line. Alistair then pushed his brother over the line.The move put Jonny in second place and Alistair himself in third. It was an unexpected end to the race, but Alistair did not want to discuss it with the media.He just wanted to see his younger brother, who had been rushed to the medical area.

The Brownlee brothers have been doing triathlons since they were children. “Obviously, when your older brother is doing it, you think it’s a cool thing to do,” says Jonny. Alistair says that they encourage each other as much as they can when they train.Despite arguments over “stupid things” now and then, Alistair agrees that having a brother is an advantage.“Throughout my entire life, I’ve had my brother trying to beat me at everything I do. It has been a fantastic driving force.”

Watched by millions, the ending to the race has varied opinions: should the brothers have been disqualified(取消资格)or highly praised for their actions? But for Alistair, his decision was easy to explain: “Mum wouldn’t have been happy if I’d left Jonny behind.” At that moment, he was no longer an athlete aiming for a medal-he was just a brother.

1. Why did Alistair get third place only?

A．He fell onto the track accidentally.

B．He was overtaken by another athlete.

C．He stopped to give his brother a hand.

D．He struggled with the burning heat.

2. What does Jonny regard his brother as?

A．An inspiration.

B．An authority.

C．A competitor.

D．A follower.

3. How do people respond to Alistair’s behavior?

A．Unfavorably.

B．Supportively.

C．Uninterestedly.

D．Differently

4. Which is the best title for the passage?

A．Just a Brother	B．The Finish Line
C．A Tough Race	D．A Driving Force

10 . Many people make it our New Year decision to get more active — but maybe you have to spend large sums in gyms.     1     But by changing that plan for these following ideas, you can not only increase your energy but save your money.

Get started with running. Going for a jog costs nothing and is one of the easiest ways to build up your body. If running seems like a task, why not try an app to add to pleasure? I love a sports app called RockMyRun. It understands your personal pace and then matches the music beat to it.     2    

Follow fitness bloggers. The Internet is full of fitness bloggers competing for likes and followers. They often post some free short videos showing how they are exercising.     3    For guidance from a personal trainer, which may even cost£ 30 to 65 an hour.

Take resistance training(抗阻力训练).     4     You can use them to increase your resistance training — zero gym required. Tins(罐头) of beans or tomatoes can be used as smaller weights, while 2-litre drink bottles offer heavier resistance.

    5     It may be slightly cold to work out there, but most of them are nonprofit community outdoor gyms across the country. With everything you may need, they provide various training workouts. Find your nearest outdoor gym at tgogc. com.

A．Free outdoor gyms.

B．Great various workouts.

C．It is free to download on Android and iOS.

D．Generally, gyms cost on average £ 40.53 a month.

E．Make full use of their efforts by repeating these at home or in the gym.

F．Heavy kitchen items can be used as hand weightlifting equipment.

G．It is necessary for most people to train by lifting hand-held weights.